LEGAL highs are a ‘serious problem’ in Guildford among homeless and low-income people, a drop-in centre manager has warned.

A man was rushed to hospital after smoking a legal high called exodus outside Guildford Action, in Leapale Lane.

The man, who had only recently visited the centre for the first time, collapsed at around 11am on March 20.

Debbie Hayter, centre manager, said: “Apparently he had just a couple of puffs of a cigarette with the substance in it.

“He couldn’t stand and was drifting in and out of consciousness.

“Luckily we had a police community support officer there who was able to help give first aid while we waited for the ambulance. The man even stopped breathing at times."

The drug effects eventually wore off and the man was able to leave Royal Surrey Hospital without any further treatment.

Miss Hayter said this was not the first time she has seen people using legal highs and falling ill.

“I think this is a serious problem. People are using them all of the time, because they aren’t worried about getting caught with them.

“They are clearly dangerous and they don’t know what effect this will have on them.

“We have a rule where they can’t roll up anything on the site. We don’t approve of these substances and it’s concerning because you don’t know what they have.

“This is not the first time that we’ve had something like this happen and it won’t be the last. I’m just worried that we will have a story that won’t have a happy ending.

“The thing that is most worrying is they will keep smoking these drugs, even after someone dies. They just don’t want to accept that it’s dangerous.”

Miss Hayter said the drugs were costing users around £10 a day and were often used by former users of illegal drugs.

A Facebook page advertising a new blend of exodus describes it as: “A new seriously strong incense blend from Mary joy, super strong with a sweet orange and mango twist.

“Exodus is one of the most poplar herbal incense blends.”

Another site advertising the drug claims it will ‘have your mind twisting straight to the depths of hell’.

Police temporary superintendent Matt Goodridge said: “Users cannot be clear what ingredients are in legal highs and they can cause unpredictable reactions and even death in some cases.

“We are continuing to educate young people to make them aware of the risks associated with drugs and legal highs, but the safest way to deal with legal highs is to avoid them.”

Kevin Deanus from the Drug and Alcohol Team, Public Health Surrey, said: “We urge anybody who has concerns about their drug use or know somebody who wishes to access support and treatment to contact Surrey Drug and Alcohol Care on 0808 802 5000.

“These substances can kill and those who are lucky enough to survive them often suffer long-term illnesses.”